Page:Nihongi by Aston volume 2.djvu/349

342 saying:—"We wish to-day to unite with you in making a vow in the Court, so that after a thousand years there may be no trouble. What think ye?" The Imperial Princes answered together, saying:—"The reasonableness of this is manifest." Accordingly, His Highness the Imperial Prince Kusakabe stood forward first and made oath, saying:—"Ye gods of Heaven and Earth, and ye Emperors, bear witness! We, elder and younger brothers, young or of mature age, more than ten Princes in all, born each of different mothers, without respect of birth from the same or different mothers, together comply with the Emperor's behest, and will give each other mutual support and avoid contention. If, from this time forward, any of us should not keep this vow, may he himself perish and may his line become extinct! There will be no forgetfulness or failure."

The (other) five Imperial Princes took oath together in the above terms in order one after another, and thereupon the Emperor said:—"Ye, my sons, though each born of different mothers, are now in affection as if born of one mother." Accordingly, loosening out his collar, he took the six Imperial Princes to his bosom, and made oath, saying:—"If We contravene this oath, may Our body perish instantly!" The Empress-consort's oath was like that of the Emperor.

7th day. The Emperor's car returned to the Palace.

10th day. The six Imperial Princes together paid their respects to the Emperor before the Great Hall.

6th month, 1st day. Hail fell as big as peaches.

23rd day. Prayer was made for rain.

26th day. Ohotomo no Moriya no Muraji, of Upper Daikin rank, died.

Autumn, 7th month, 6th day. Prayer was made for rain.

14th day. Worship was paid to the Deities of Hirose and Tatsuta.

17th day. Prince Katsuraki, of the 4th rank, died.

8th month, 1st day. The Emperor ordered that the various Houses should send tribute of women.